what you have is pus and blood gushing out. That is one of the
mysteries associated with the Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Olumo rock is located in Abeokuta the Ogun state capital. The rock
dates back to the days when songs of war dominated the airwaves in
Yoruba land, that's was in the first quarter of 19th century when Oyo
empire was falling apart from pressure of Fulani attacks from outside
and fraternal conflicts from within.
In 1830, shoeke, a hunter and leader of Egba refugees from Ibadan area
founded the town of Abeokuta which means "beneath the rock". The rock
was later named "Olumo" which had two levels of meaning. The first is
"Olu" (God) "Mo" (Molded) the second is "Oluwa fi mo" (God has put an
end to our wandering and suffering).
Historically, Olumo rock was discovered by a hunter famer named Adagba
and he found the rock to be a natural place of refuge from wars and
threat of wars. Adagba retreated with his wife to the safety of the
rock whenever the need arise.
Egba reconnaissance men (consisting of three hunters) who met with
Adagba where brought to the rock and were convinced that their search
for a new secure home base is over. With the surrounding fertile
wooded savannah and the presence of Ogun River, they believe that they
have arrived at the promise land.
Confirmation of the suitability of the site by Ifa divination was
needed to seal of approval.
Olumo rock is natures massive monuments made of indigenous material,
with the highest point at 137 meters from the base of the rock. From a
perspective angle, it looks like "behemoth" in a sitting position; it
also appears as a female mammoth guarding her brood. In metaphysics,
the fact of its indigenous formation can be said to be its strength as
a refuge, a hideout during the process of sitting in their new
settlement which is the present day Abeokuta.
In addition, the rock functioned as a tower of strength for Egba in
their wars to defend the new settlement. Symbolically Olumo is the
single most important representation of Egba nationalism, it is the
unique monument inseparably associated with their heroism and freedom.
It is to them what status of Liberty is to Americans, it never fails
to fascinate both the young and the old with its sheer size,
configuration and several chambers located inside the belly of the
"behemoth" in which its brood was hidden from the danger of incessant
assault in the past. However Olumo rock became the symbol of unity,
freedom of the Egba's and all the residents of Abeokuta.
Domestic and international tourist now explore the special features of
the rock which include the gardens on the rock, the natural tunnels
and cleft path ways, the natural cantilevers and overhangs, the
unusual trees, relics of the belief system of the early settlers on
the rock. There is also three heavy escalators now installed at the 3
natural heights of the rock, covering a total of about 20 floor of a
high rise building, tourist also experience a scenic and panoramic
views of the ancient city from the highest peak of the rock.
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